Lower Zambezi National Park

The lower Zambezi River is essentially the stretch that runs downstream from Kariba Gorge to the Mozambique border. This section is particularly well known for the Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site on the Zimbabwean bank. There are national parks on both sides of the river, however, with the Lower Zambezi National Park on the Zambian side. The area is best experienced via a canoe safari or a combination walking/canoeing safaris.

The Zambian shoreline has a selection of excellent safari lodges bordering and within the Lower Zambezi National Park. Elephant poaching in recent years has declined with the presence of safari operators in the area and game has improved dramatically as a result.

This part of the valley with its riverine forests, broad flood plain and woodlands in the hills towards and beyond the escarpment provide excellent habitats and the birding is spectacular year round. Access into the Lower Zambezi National Park during the green season is available but in our opinion not a good idea - an option is to canoe on the Zimbabwean shoreline during the rainy season - late November to mid April.

Wildlife congregate near the river in the dry season and everyday sightings of large, majestic Zambezi elephant that criss-cross back and forth across the river without care for passports and border posts, are very regularly sighted. Lions are also spotted frequently, as are leopard, and packs of wild dog also frequent the area.

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